It’s no wonder the name “basmati” comes from the Hindi word meaning “fragrant.” Mostly found at Indian restaurants until recently, this nutty, floral, textural rice has potential for culinary mash-ups just waiting to be created.
Whether it’s used as a side, the base of a dish, or mixed within another dish (phorrito, anyone?), this versatile long-grained rice is one you’ll want to incorporate.
Scrumptious Sides
The first application you’d think of for rice is probably a side dish, and for good reason. Consider pairing harissa chicken with apricots, asparagus, and a nice rice pilaf created from basmati rice—using butter, yellow onion, chicken stock, and maybe even throwing some seared sea scallops atop for some bonus flavor. Lemon-ginger basmati rice, sprinkled with some cilantro before serving, could also make a stand-out side dish.
Base of the Bowl
Basmati is famous for its use in curry dishes; a watermelon curry can be an interesting way to bring summer in for this rice. Seedless watermelon can be pureed and cubed, sautéed in a pan, to make a sweet and spicy curry your customers will remember and makes a great LTO. A vegetable biryani could also make basmati the star of a sumptuous meal in a bowl—top with peanuts and a sweet tamarind-raisin chutney.
And Keep the Surprises Coming
Have you heard of the phoritto? Originally started in a Los Angeles food truck, it’s just like it sounds: taking traditional pho ingredients, switching them up, and rolling them inside a burrito.
Take fusion to a whole new level, putting some basmati rice in with traditional Vietnamese rice noodles, beef steak, bean sprouts, chile-garlic sauce, and more—wrapping it all in a tortilla.
Or take your basmati the sweet route; kheer is a traditional rice pudding dessert from India that can easily be paired with a sweet and surprising fruit puree, like mango curd or yuzu.
Your Sourcing Solution
Excited to bring some basmati into your menu? Dot Foods is your sourcing solution for any rice dish you’re prepared to innovate with. Share your creations with us, using #DevourByDot on Instagram.
Explore our selection of basmati rice and other grains.